Chris Larson (Dem.), 7th Senate District
Born Milwaukee County, November 12, 1980; married; 1 child. Graduate Thomas More H.S. 1999; degree in finance, UW-Milwaukee 2007. Full-time legislator. Former business manager. Member: Coalition to Save the Hoan Bridge (co-founder); League of Conservation Voters; Airport Area Economic Development Group; Bay View Neighborhood Assn.; Coalition for Advancing Transit (steering com.); Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wis.; Sierra Club; Humboldt Park Watch; South Side Business Club of Milw.; Bay View Historical Soc.; Arbor Day Foundation; Tri-Wisconsin; Badgerland Striders; Young Elected Officials; South Shore Park Watch; Bay View Lions Club; Lake Park Friends; Thomas More Alumni Club; MPTV Friends. Former member: WISPIRG (campus intern). Milwaukee Co. Bd. supervisor 2008-10.
Elected to Senate in 2010. Minority Leader 2013. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Senate Organization; Jt. Com. on Employment Relations; Jt. Com. on Legislative Organization. 2011 — Jt. Com. on Review of Admin. Rules (co-chp., eff. 7/24/12); Education; Education and Corrections; Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism; Insurance and Housing; Natural Resources and Environment; Jt. Com. on Audit (eff. 7/24/12); Jt. Com. on Finance (eff. 7/24/12); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology; Gov.’s Comn. on Waste, Fraud and Abuse; Spec. Task Force on UW Restructuring and Operational Flexibilities.
Telephone: Office: (608) 266-7505; (800) 361-5487 (toll free).
E-mail: Sen.Larson@legis.wisconsin.gov
Voting address: 3261 South Herman Street, Milwaukee 53207.
Mailing address: Office: Room 206 South, State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882, Madison 53707-7882.
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Content referencing Chris Larson
Wisconsin PSC Public Hearing on Data Centers Draws Public Outcry
Critics say all ratepayers will be charged for 25% of data centers' infrastructure costs.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Henry Redman
The Legislature’s Revolving Door
Lots of turnover of legislators in both parties. Why?
Feb 9th, 2026 by Steven Walters
Legislators Debate Schools’ Policy on Pronoun Changes
Bill requires schools to inform parents if students change names, pronouns.
Jan 7th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
After Shutdown, WisconsinEye Discussing Future With Legislators
Nonprofit seeking partial public funding to resume operation.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Board Seeks Repeal of Restrictions in Sales Tax Deal
State legislation has many restraints on Milwaukee County's operations and spending.
Dec 2nd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Senate Passes Bills to Eliminate 400-Year Veto, Redefine Abortion
And a bipartisan bill that bars health care for undocumented immigrants.
Nov 19th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Republican Bill Cracks Down on Political Donations Via Credit Card
Trying to stop 'smurfing' or following Trump's lead targeting Act Blue donations?
Nov 16th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Beware of Data Center Darkness
There's little transparency on these deals. No one knows what the impact on Wisconsin will be.
Nov 12th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Milwaukee Legislators Draft Bills to Improve State Prison Conditions
16 bills range from rights to sunlight to county-control of jails.
Nov 11th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Superintendent Jill Underly Makes Changes on Sexual Misconduct
Legislative committee grills her on handling of 'sexual grooming' by teachers.
Nov 5th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Reckless Drivers Would Get ‘Speed Limiter’ Devices Under New Proposal
Democratic legislators tout state bill. Milwaukee's mayor and Rep. Donovan have doubts.
Oct 29th, 2025 by Evan Casey
School Aid Shrinks for 7 in 10 Wisconsin Districts
Most districts see aid cuts as $350 million shifts to private programs.
Oct 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Senate Approves School Cellphone Ban
Senate also passes bill require insurance coverage of breast cancer screenings.
Oct 15th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Lawmakers Debate GOP’s ‘Red Tape Reset’ Bills
Democrats say proposals are designed to overturn governor's court-protected rulemaking power.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
Jessica Seawright Will Run for Oak Creek Area Assembly District
Democrat is social worker. Seat held by Republican Rep. Jessie Rodriguez.
Sep 23rd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Crowley Launches Campaign for Governor
'My story is Wisconsin's story,' County Executive David Crowley declares.
Sep 9th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Texas Reps Fleeing State Similar to 2011 Wisconsin Dem Exodus
Texas Democratic U.S. representatives trying to block gerrymander vote, Wisconsin state senators tried the same with Act 10.
Aug 11th, 2025 by Steven Walters
County Executive David Crowley Confirms He Will Run for Governor
Milwaukee official is second Democrat to enter race.
Jul 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Older Adults Account for 20% of Wisconsin’s Suicides
Older men have highest rate. Experts discuss possible causes and solutions.
Jul 22nd, 2025 by Sreejita Patra
Bipartisan Budget Deal Gets Mixed Reviews From Wisconsin Legislators
A 'step in the right direction' or a 'little sad' and 'unacceptable'?
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
State’s Hospitals Causing Shortage of Nurses?
They blame demographics. Nurses association blames dreadful working conditions.
Jun 25th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
State Senate Passes Bill That It Says Targets ‘Violent Riots’ With New Felony Penalties
But Sen. Larson says it could be used on protesters.
Jun 19th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Bucks Violating Promises on Unions?
Adding non-union businesses to Deer District after making promises to get state subsidy.
Jun 5th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Guns Now Kill More Than Auto Crashes
Super majority in state wants some gun restrictions. Will Republicans agree?
Jun 4th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
We Energies Wins Approval To Build New Natural Gas Plants
Regulators say projects are warranted to meet rising energy demand. Coalition opposes fuel type.
May 22nd, 2025 by Joe Schulz
Republican Legislators Push Tax Credits for Films Made in Wisconsin
Republican leaders had removed similar item from Evers' budget.
May 21st, 2025 by Baylor Spears
90% of Wisconsin Schools Have Student Cell Phone Restrictions
New report comes as GOP lawmakers push statewide ban on cell phones.
May 14th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
GOP Bill Could Cut MPS Funding Over School Police
MPS and city would have to negotiate with Joint Committee on Finance.
May 11th, 2025 by Devin Blake
GOP Legislators Push Mandated School Access for Military Recruiters
'They have been prohibited from doing meaningful recruitment.'
May 8th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Wisconsin Senate Votes 32-1 to Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
But Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos opposes bill. Will he kill it?
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Elected Officials, Civic Leaders Decry ICE Courthouse Arrests
'Due process is non-negotiable.' County officials call for preventative measures.
Apr 8th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Republican Bill Changing Student Testing Benchmarks Heads to Governor
Gov. Evers has previously said he would 'probably' veto proposal.
Mar 19th, 2025 by Shawn Johnson
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Farmers, Chefs Call For Climate Action at James Beard Foundation Event
A roundtable discussion this week on climate change's impact on local industries.
Feb 20th, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
Republican Bill Bars Remote Work for Most Wisconsin State Employees
Will it improve or hurt workforce? Gov. Evers has promised a veto.
Feb 12th, 2025 by Sarah Lehr
You Can Now Carry a Gun While Fishing
Legislative committee kills 25-year-old DNR rule in response to conservative lawsuit.
Dec 24th, 2024 by WPR Staff
Will Republicans Support Transparent Hospital Prices?
It could become bipartisan legislation. Or an attack issue for Democrats.
Nov 20th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Alderman Jonathan Brostoff Has Died
Brostoff, 41, was a passionate advocate for Milwaukee and a proud husband and father.
Nov 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Legislative Committee Backs UW-Madison Spin-Off
Helping UW-Madison compete nationally or creating duplicative administration?
Nov 4th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Committee Discusses Separating UW-Madison From Rest of System
Part of larger discussion about future of system, including funding.
Oct 25th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
State Superintendent Urges Legislature to Hike Special Education Funding
Just 31.5% of costs funded by state, notes Jill Underly. 'This is not nearly enough.'
Sep 29th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Wisconsin is Now Midwest Leader In Deadly Police Encounters
A sudden surge follows a period where Wisconsin had lowest-in-the-nation rate. What changed?
Aug 26th, 2024 by Jacob Resneck
Can Rep. Clancy Win Reelection?
Incumbent Democratic faces heavy opposition from his own party backing challenger Jarrod Anderson.
Jul 24th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Study Committee Will Consider Future of UW System
Declining enrollment and fiscal constraints among the issues being considered.
Jul 14th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Does MPS Need To Be Reorganized?
Crisis points to potential problems with school system’s financial oversight.
Jun 26th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Did 1991 State Law Give MPS Superintendent Too Much Power?
Former MPS Superintendent Howard Fuller, who pushed for law, says current leaders failed.
Jun 19th, 2024 by Corrinne Hess
Should MCTS Take Over Operation of The Hop, Other Transit Systems?
MCTS officials are considering bidding to operate the systems as a move to create a regional transit authority and financial security.
Jun 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Wisconsin Senate Votes to Override Governor’s Vetoes
Effort unlikely to pass Assembly.
May 15th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Pro-Palestinian Protests Begin at UWM
National protest movement and tent encampments reach UW system's Milwaukee and Madison campuses.
Apr 29th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
UW-Platteville Vacating Richland Campus
Democrats blame Republicans for cutting UW system funding.
Apr 28th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Meet The New Milwaukee County Board
When the next legislative cycle begins, there will be four new supervisors.
Apr 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Logsdon Wins Reelection to South Suburban District
County supervisor defeats challenge from Danelle Kenney.
Apr 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Alexander Fends Off Challenge for Board Seat
Alexander beats first-time candidate Brandon Williford in district on northwest side.
Apr 2nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Coasts Into Second Term
County executive easily wins reelection, thrashing perennial candidate Ieshuh Griffin.
Apr 2nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Apr 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Mar 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Senate Republicans Fire Four Evers Appointees
GOP boots one from DNR board, three from UW Health board.
Feb 21st, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Bill Would Require Breathalyzers For Convicted Drunk Drivers
Sen. Chris Larson has introduced a similar measure 7 times
Feb 16th, 2024 by Evan Casey
GOP Senators Pass Parental Bill of Rights
And reject free school meals. Bill passed earlier by Senate next goes to governor.
Feb 14th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Republicans Pass Evers’ Legislative Maps
Governor had promised to sign such a bill. Democrats warn of trickery.
Feb 13th, 2024 by Rich Kremer and Shawn Johnson
County Treasurer Dave Cullen Announces Reelection Bid
With many endorsements, Cullen faces Ted Chisholm in Democratic primary.
Feb 12th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Should Child Care Providers Teach 4-Year-Old Kindergarten?
Republicans, child care providers support bill pushing this. DPI opposes it.
Feb 7th, 2024 by Erik Gunn
Wisconsin Lawmakers Call for Gaza-Israel Ceasefire
Nationwide, about 180 state and local officials have signed on to a letter to the Biden administration organized by Jewish Voice for Peace
Jan 12th, 2024 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Democratic Bill Bans Foreign Spending on State, Local Referendums
Seeks to close 'glaring loophole' created by Federal Elections Commission ruling.
Jan 10th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Justin Bielinski Running For Open Seat On County Board
Bielinski running for West Allis-centric seat being vacated by Sup. Tony Staskunas.
Dec 7th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
LeMahieu Grows Into Majority Leader Role
Republican Senate leader has worked at times with Democrats to get legislation passed.
Nov 20th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Assembly Democrats Have Large Climate Change Bill Package
Dems hope at least a few bills find bipartisan support for passage.
Nov 17th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Brewers Stadium Deal Passes the Legislature
Gov. Tony Evers promises to sign it.
Nov 14th, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Will Senate Oppose Brewers $546 Million Subsidy?
Easily passed Assembly, but facing bipartisan opposition in the Senate.
Oct 23rd, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Proposal Would Eliminate License Requirement for School Superintendents
Proposal aimed at reducing turnover. DPI in opposition.
Sep 28th, 2023 by Corrinne Hess
State Superintendent, GOP Legislators Duel Over Education
Underly defends DEI, public schools; Republicans push culture war, school choice.
Sep 25th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
UAW Strikes At Bay View Auto Parts Warehouse
Milwaukee workers join second wave of nationwide strike.
Sep 23rd, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Taxpayers Paying For Both Sides of Senate Lawsuit Over Redistricting
Democrats and Republicans both charging State of Wisconsin for redistricting legal fight.
Sep 21st, 2023 by Rich Kremer
Legislative Democrats Unveil Agenda To Restore Worker Rights
Bill package includes proposals to undo Act 10, "Right to Work" legislation.
Sep 8th, 2023 by Erik Gunn
How Evers Can Change Budget With Partial Vetoes
He could veto top tax bracket cut. He could also veto entire budget bill.
Jul 3rd, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Transit Union Rallies for Security, Funding
Union demands protection for transit funding. 'We have to fight vigorously.'
Jun 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Even After Change, DPI Opposes Reading Bill
Issue centers on proposal to hold third graders back.
Jun 16th, 2023 by Corrinne Hess
Legislature Passes Local Revenue, Schools Bills
Deal heads to Gov. Evers’ desk. Despite bipartisan support, some are calling for him to veto proposals.
Jun 15th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
Have Republicans Put Milwaukee Transit On Chopping Block?
Milwaukee legislators oppose move by GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee.
Jun 14th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders
44% of Legislature's 132 members changed in last four years.
Apr 24th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
State Supreme Race Shows Need for Campaign Finance Reform
Now that Republicans got outspent in big money race, will they back any reforms?
Apr 10th, 2023 by Matt Rothschild
Race For Municipal Judge Gets Little Attention
Attorney Molly Gena and Senator Lena Taylor vying for open seat on city court.
Mar 27th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the Dome Deals Are Common
La Follette's resignation, Godlewski appointment latest example of insider Capitol deals.
Mar 27th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Rep. Donovan’s Reckless Driving Bills Approved By Legislature
And: Republicans block rule that bans conversion therapy, allowing controversial practice to continue.
Mar 23rd, 2023 by Shawn Johnson
Bill Hikes Jail Time In Drug Overdose Cases
Republican bill ups penalty for reckless homicide by delivering drugs to 60 years in prison.
Mar 21st, 2023 by Isiah Holmes
Advocates Push for Evidence-Based Bail Laws
Calling for risk assessment tools, opposing Republican bail ballot referendum.
Mar 18th, 2023 by Isiah Holmes
Democrats Push Free School Meals Plan
Evers' budget includes $120 million to create 'Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids' program.
Mar 7th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
County Has A History With the Sales Tax
For 15 years local officials have debated, voted, campaigned on and lobbied for a county sales tax hike.
Feb 21st, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Where Does ‘Conversion Therapy’ Go Next?
Milwaukee County could pass its own ban. Evers calls Republican actions 'ridiculous.'
Jan 28th, 2023 by Michael Horne
Parties Argue Over April Ballot Questions
Evers calls referendum on welfare 'ridiculous.' but huge majority of legislators disagree.
Jan 23rd, 2023 by Steven Walters
Republicans Advance Cash Bail and Welfare Referendum Questions
Both likely to be on April ballot, could influence turnout for state Supreme Court election.
Jan 18th, 2023 by Baylor Spears
State Committee Votes To Allow LGBTQ+ Conversion Therapy To Continue
Republican lawmakers vote to block rule that prohibits widely discredited practice.
Jan 12th, 2023 by Sarah Lehr
The Vast Wealth of Ascension Health
Huge executive salaries, billions in cash and investments, yet cutting services at hospitals.
Jan 11th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Legislators Debate Changes to Cash Bail
Republicans pushing constitutional amendment to expand use of cash bail.
Jan 11th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Ascension Hospital’s Plan To Close Labor and Delivery Unit Criticized
City officials condemn this. It leaves 'no labor and delivery services" on city's South Side.
Dec 21st, 2022 by Erik Gunn
Chambers, Brostoff Sworn In As Aldermen
New council members welcomed by colleagues, face budget veto override vote next week.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Senate Democrats Elect New Leadership
Sen. Melissa Agard will lead 11 Democrats, just one third of the Senate.
Nov 16th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
Milwaukee Candidates for Wisconsin State Senate
And congressional race for fourth district seat.
Nov 5th, 2022 by Urban Milwaukee
Uneasy Start to School Year in Waukesha
National trend 'to attack school boards, LGBTQ rights and ban books is playing out.'
Sep 12th, 2022 by Isiah Holmes
